The Lee Anne Stewart Fusion Dance Team competitors had a successful weekend as they competed and attended classes at the Indianapolis DanceMakers Inc. competition and convention.

The team was awarded with a first place trophy for “Carrying the Banner” and received a special “Best in Category” award. The judges for the competition, who are respected and prominent dancers and choreographers, gave the Lee Anne Stewart Fusion dancers rave reviews for their performance, costumes, set design, props and stage presence. The judges even commented that they felt they were “watching a Broadway show.”

Lee Anne Stewart and Meghann Wood choreographed the dance and received perfect marks from the judges. “Carrying the Banner” will be the opening dance for the Stewart Dance School June performances.

“Jet Set,” “Mad Tea Party” and “I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine” were also praised and honored with first-place awards. Reegan Behles was the team’s only solo competitor, and she placed second with her energetic performance of “Show Off.”

The team also had a trio of dancers who performed “Calling all the Monsters.” Hannah Gaerte, Morgan Plank and Brianne Stewart proudly earned a second place for their efforts. All Fusion Dance Team dances also qualified for the June DanceMakers Inc. National Finals in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Dancers, including 33 Lee Anne Stewart dancers, arrived in Indianapolis from around the region to take classes from nationally recognized instructors in ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, lyrical and contemporary dance styles. While new choreography and proper dance technique is a primary focus during the workshops, the dancers also learned about the importance of proper nutrition, stretching, strengthening, showmanship and etiquette.

The Lee Anne Stewart Fusion Dance competitors have been taking dance classes at the Nappanee and Syracuse dance schools while diligently attending extra rehearsals each week in preparation for their various performances including an exhibition for the Warsaw Taste and Trade event and selections from The Nutcracker with Symphony of the Lakes. Their hard work will continue as they prepare for In the News, the June Lee Anne Stewart dance production.

The Fusion dance competitors and all other Lee Anne Stewart dancers will entertain audiences with their talents as they perform in this year’s 40th annual dance school production In the News. All performances are held at the Warsaw High School Performing Arts Center on June 8 and 9, and June 14, 15 and 16.